Imbibing Outdoors - How to Drink on the Trail

friend enjoying a cold one while soaking in a hotspring

A Recent Backpacking trip I organized to Sykes Hot Springs got me interested in how to drink in the backcountry. Although we at Outdoors Los Angeles believe in everything in moderation we have been known to get our drink on while on the trail.

Unlike Car Camping, when you're lugging everything you need for the weekend on your back, weight becomes a serious issue. We at Outdoors Los Angeles are also into leaving no trace so the weight and size of the container which has to be carried out have to be taken into consideration.

There are essentially three main types of alcohol we've taken into the backcountry: (1) Beer (2) Wine and (3) straight Spirits.

BEER

The only way we have taken Beer out is plain and simple in aluminum cans. At least the cans crush to a fairly compact and lightweight size when you're done with it. However, due to the fact that you usually don't want to lug more than a couple with you its not always the most efficient way to get your drink on.  We have been known to bring a 20oz specialty beer along, especially if a Hot Spring is involved. Although it was lukewarm even after chilling in Big Sur River, this writer enjoyed a Paddington's at Sykes.

WINE 

Vendage 500 ml Wine Containers

On the trip to Sykes we learned about a heretofore unknown wine product that's great for backpacking.VENDAGE Wine Cellars now markets Tetra Paks, convenient 500 ml wine packets made from 100% recyclable materials. The Tetra Paks appear to be available in six varietals: Shiraz, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and White Zinfandel.  

Locally I know that they are available at Ralphs and Albertsons Supermarkets and likely other stores. The ones I picked up at Albertsons were normally $3.99 but on sale at $2.99. The Albertsons I visited only appeared to have them in three varietals: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon 

One other lightweight option for wine is to fill an empty water bottle with your favorite wine. It is important to fill it right up to the top and not leave any air and its probably best really close to your trip.

SPIRITS

9 oz stainless steel flask - often filled with Baileys

There are three main ways of taking spirits into the backcountry. One popular method for years has been to fill up your favorite stainless steel flask ( like the one pictured above). . Popular favorites are Vodka, Whiskey, or Baileys. What we love about Baileys is it allows you to Irish up a hot chocolate or coffee which we usually have after dinner.  Nalgene also  makes a BPA free plastic flask.

airplane size 50 ml liquor bottles

A second way to enjoy spirits would be to take airplane sized bottles with you ( see above). Of course a drawback is that they are glass and you will have to tote them back out.  Any time you bring glass you have to be careful as when they break the shards are very sharp and can cut you.

The water bottle filed with spirits.

Finally, filing up an empty water bottle works well for spirits. Unlike with wine filling it to the top is not exactly critical as the spirits will not go bad.

So the next time your resting in camp lounging and enjoying a drink, toast one for us!

Check out this months Backpacker Magazine for a trail Sangria Recipe.